Chevrolet One World Futbol for children in US, India and Indonesia

Chevrolet has donated a pop-up soccer pitch to help Beyond the Ball youth and community development organization to give children a better life in a neighbourhood associated with gang culture. A 2014 Silverado pickup truck and trailer is also being donated. Manchester United soccer legend Gary Bailey and Chicago Alderman Ricardo Munoz attended the event.

“Chevrolet’s support will allow us to build better street soccer programs and spread play to areas where it’s needed most,” said Rob Castaneda, founder and executive director of Beyond the Ball. “It’s proven that play provides children with resilience and helps them better manage stress. Our goal is not to take the kids out of the community but enhance the neighborhood for them, turning violent streets into more playful and peaceful places.”

About 250 nearly indestructible One World Futbol soccer balls were given away. Chevrolet is also providing training for local soccer coaches who can teach children to turn to the sport. The donation is part of Chevrolet’s global “What Do You #PlayFor?” campaign launched in March.

“Soccer is a beautiful game that has the ability to bring people together and change lives in a positive manner,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “Through our partnership with Manchester United and One World Futbol Project, Chevrolet is bringing people closer to the sport while at the same time helping spread play around the world.”

As Official Automobile Partner of Manchester United, Chevrolet working with club legends to work with soccer coaches and children. In July, the Chevrolet-branded Manchester United shirt will be revealed. In April, Chevrolet worked on a soccer pitch in Bandung, Indonesia. In May, Chevrolet took a truckload of One World Futbol Project to the YMCA in the town of TepoztlĂˇn in Mexico.

Last month, One World Futbol Project associated with Slum Soccer Homeless World Cup in Nagpur, India as all work to put together a team representing India at 2014 Homeless World Cup in Santiago, Chile. The activity with Slum Soccer (Krida Vikas Sanstha) entailed donation and distribution of over over 2,400 balls Chevrolet One World Futbols to youth participants.

In time, the streetfootballworld member has grown into an organization that brings the joy of sports to underprivileged children across India. Dr. Vijay Barse concluded the donation ceremony saying, â€śThrough the One World Futbol Project donation, we are able to reach more youth living on the edges of society and bring hope and play to the slums of India. This project is huge for Slum Soccer and wonderful for the youth of India.â€ť